Kurtis Brannum and His 1999 Harley-Davidson Road King Custom

After running into my good old friend Kurtis Brannum on one of those 60 degree days we occasionally get here in the Midwest in the middle of winter, I suggested to Kurtis that we need to get out and take a ride to talk about past events! 11 years ago Kurtis was working for a national trucking company where he was responsible for parking tractor trailers in tight spaces such as the limestone caves here in Missouri. What impressed me more about him was the way he did his job and lined up these trailers with ease, which even made the other drivers look bad! Now if he can do that, how well do you think his motorcycle riding skills are? Well, you guessed it! He rides like he drives and he really does not miss a beat. Kurtis and I have been friends for quite some time now and since we all have so much going on in our lives we don’t get much time anymore to just sit down and have a cold beer and reminisce. He recently had his 1999 Road King repainted by one of our local painters, and I am sure he is ready to get busy on the road and put as many miles on his bike as he can! So when you are rolling through the Midwest and see those bikers with the beards and leathers, maybe you should think twice before you judge because sometimes these riders do a lot more than look rough; they may be your boss someday and you too will be in awe when they show you that jockeying semi trailers to the appropriate location may not be as easy as it looks! And in fact ask yourself this, could you do it? You be the judge.Kutis, don’t change a thing and thanks for the interview!CC: Kurtis, what is your occupation? Kurtis: I’m the office and yard manager for GE Inter Modal Trailer Leasing.

CC: Do you have any hobbies other than motorcycling? Kurtis: Yes. I also enjoy camping, fishing, horses, guitars, and just about anything to do with fun in the sun.

CC: Kurtis, why do you ride?Kurtis:Do I really need to explain?

CC: How long have you been riding? Kurtis: I’ve b een riding around 37 years.

CC: What was your first bike? Kurtis: My first bike was a mini bike I got when I was six, then a Honda Trail 70, afew dirt bikes and then on to the street.

CC: How many bikes have you owned? Kurtis: Eight.

CC: How many bikes do you currently own? Kurtis: Just the Road King.

CC: What do you like most about your Road King?Kurtis: What is there not to like? I especially enjoy the comfort, the look, the style, and the ride. I also like the quick disconnect for my accessories. When you can wake up, pack, and say “I’m going to Dallas Texas today” and when you get there you are ready to ride more. What more can one ask for?

CC: What is your dream bike? Kurtis: I have it.

CC: What is your most memorable riding experience? Kurtis: Hmmm big question. I would have to say all of them. Every ride I have ever been on is memorable.

CC: What is your least memorable riding experience? Kurtis: If I have to pick one it would be about five months ago when this S.O.B ran a red light and damn near t-boned me and the old lady. In the process of getting out of the bastards way we went down and the S.O.B didn’t even stop. I had $5,800 and change in damage, but on the up side I got my custom paint out of the deal, by Tommy Too Much.

CC: What motorcycle rallies & events have you attended, and which is your favorite? Kurtis: Many. What else can I say? Hell they all are one big party. Bikes, booze, and boobies. What more can I say?

CC: Do you have a favorite bike night hangout? Kurtis: I enjoy visiting Twin Stroke, Russo’s, and Frankie D’s

CC: Do you prefer riding in a group or by yourself? Kurtis: There are only a few I will really ride with who I trust.

CC: Who are some of your closest riding buddies? Kurtis: All my brothers and sisters.

CC: Just for fun, which of your riding buddies is the best rider? Kurtis: Bubba. CC: Just for fun, which of your riding buddies is the worst rider? Kurtis: I’ll take the fifth on this one. CC: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Kurtis: Ride often, ride hard and stay safe! Interview by Dave Miller